http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/index.php/news/ en phpiedit@hamerville.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-05-17T15:42:44+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/news/article/inta_toasts_to_a_decade_with_local_mp/#When:15:42:44Z The company, which is known for its anti-scald and water saving products, has grown to a turnover of around £10m since its launch in 2002 and currently employs 34 staff, as well as apprentices from Stafford College. Directors Stuart Gizzi and Cynthia Fisher invited Jeremy Lefroy for a tour of their premises, which includes an in-house testing lab, training and warehousing facilities. Jeremy Lefroy commented: “Inta is a fine example of how working hard and having a conscience can bring businesses great success. To have built such a strong presence in the bathroom manufacturing market in such a short time is a fantastic achievement and I commend the company for its work in removing the risk of scalding from bathrooms in the UK.” This year marks a decade of tireless campaigning for Inta and will see the production of a special 10th anniversary version of its industry acclaimed anti-scald booklet, a guide that has become synonymous with the firm. Inta’s Stuart Gizzi said: “We are really pleased that Jeremy took the time to find out about our company. Our crusade for scald free bathrooms is far from over, but ten years on, we remain profitable and have informed plumbers and installers with 400,000 anti-scald booklets and supplied a million thermostatic mixing valves. “We absolutely couldn’t have come this far without the unwavering support and hard work from our staff, here in Staffordshire and the sales team right across the UK. We intend to spread the celebrations throughout the year, so there will be plenty of things to look forward.” 17th May 2012 Supplier news 2012-05-17T15:42:44+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/news/article/adey_adds_to_sales_team/#When:15:19:21Z Wayne Potter has joined the award-winning company as Area Sales Manager for the South West and Wales, while Darran Burrage has responsibility for Anglia. “I worked in merchants for 11 years and then spent six years in a sales role for a large shower manufacturer, so I’m excited to be putting my years of customer-facing experience to good use working for an innovative company like Adey,” says Wayne. Darran Burrage has spent most of his career in the plumbing and heating sector; “Having worked with boiler manufacturers, I’ve known of Adey and MagnaClean for some time now,” he says. “I’m looking forward to the challenges my new role will bring, working with customers in both the public and private sectors and showing them the proven benefits of magnetic filtration.” These new appointments are key to the company’s plans for growth as it continues to focus on advancing its pioneering MagnaClean magnetic filtration technology, explains Managing Director Kelvin Stevens. “MagnaClean is now installed in more than one million homes in the UK and has been adopted by more than 250 housing associations and local authorities. In their new roles at Adey, Darran and Wayne will be an important part of the team that continues to drive the successful adoption of effective magnetic filtration nationwide.” 17th May 2012 Related Articles Adey honoured with Queen’s Award Professional Heating and Plumbing Installer magazine September 2011   People news 2012-05-17T15:19:21+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/news/article/open_day_kick_starts_business_for_gibbs_dandy/#When:11:19:33Z To celebrate the launch of the refurbished showroom, which now features a dedicated tile department and an extensive bathroom display, Gibbs & Dandy held a successful open day where the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Don Worlding was in attendance to officially open the impressive new site. The showroom enjoyed a busy day with customers eager to see the changes and make the most of the opening day offers. With major suppliers in attendance, refreshments, giveaways and a magician, whose card tricks rivalled those of Derren Brown, were also added bonuses for trade and retail customers who attended on Saturday 12th May. Commenting on the open day success and new look showroom, Branch Manager, Kevin Forder, said: “A lot of investment, in terms of time, resources and cost, has gone into creating our new bathroom and tile showroom, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. As well as a great turn out from trade and retail customers, suppliers were on hand to offer advice and they were similarly impressed with the surroundings. “Our decision to invest during a challenging financial climate is testament to our commitment to growing the business and helping our customers to boost their business. The new showroom not only offers trade professionals and DIY-ers an alternative place to source the latest bathroom products and designs, but the welcoming and attractive environment make it an ideal place for installers to sell to their customers. “The initial feedback from customers has been very positive and we hope this level of interest will continue as we continue to develop our bathroom and tile offering.” 17th May 2012 Related Articles New look boosts sales for Northampton Gibbs and Dandy Gibbs & Dandy benefit from new computer system Greenworks success for Gibbs & Dandy customers 2012-05-17T11:19:33+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/news/article/pts_eco_house_continues_to_attract_attention/#When:10:36:23Z South Lanarkshire College took home a Green Gown Award at the end of 2011 for its eco home known as ‘Aurora’. The awards are a prestigious acknowledgment of sustainability excellence in further and higher education with South Lanarkshire being the first Scottish college to receive recognition.  Completed in 2009, Aurora was built as a result of a successful partnership between the college, PTS and more than 50 private sector partners. The house allows apprentices to see the range of energy efficient options available and demonstrates how code level 5 can be achieved. PTS supplied renewable energy products for the house, including a 3.42kW peak solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Maxine Frost, PTS Renewables Director, said: “The eco house in South Lanarkshire was an entirely innovative, flag ship project. This is reflected by the attention it continues to gain from the construction and plumbing industry in addition to the UK Green Gown Awards. PTS is incredibly proud to be associated with the Aurora project as it continues to play a vital role in educating future installers about low energy, low carbon housing. “Renewables will continue to dominate the agenda of the heating and plumbing industry and as a merchant we need to be in a position to support our customers and the next generation of skills. Having Stuart Hawthorn as a dedicated Renewables Business Development Manager proves our commitment to this sector and to projects such as the eco house at South Lanarkshire College.” Angus J Allan, Deputy Principal at South Lanarkshire College, added: “Three years from the very beginning of our joint low-energy house project, the development is still turning heads and contributing very significantly to education and change in the housing sector. “The college was delighted to receive a UK Green Gown Award in recognition of its innovative and forward thinking project, now used to educate and train students. We think it is important to ensure students have the best possible chance of getting a job at the end of their course and we try to align the curriculum with present and future market demands. The eco house delivers this and as such has been a resounding success.” The Aurora low energy house incorporates solar PV panels, solar thermal panels for hot water, an air heat recovery system, a ground source heat pump and a rainwater harvesting system. The house has an “A” rating - the highest possible energy performance rating. 17th May 2012 Related Articles PTS success at 2012 MITIE Supplier Forum PTS peddles from Vietnam to Cambodia in aid of Cancer Research UK PTS moves to new HQ   Latest news 2012-05-17T10:36:23+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/news/article/benchmarx_helps_special_needs_school_stay_on_track/#When:09:57:31Z Gary Carmalt is asking other branches across the group to donate kitchen parts for the urgently needed refit of four brand new kitchens at The Collett School in Hemel Hempstead. The Collett School work with children aged 4-16 who have complex special educational needs above and beyond medical issues and educational difficulties. The school was set up in the 1960s and has stood the test of time, but now needs urgent refurbishment to continue offering a modern and nurturing learning environment. Life skills are taught across the school to help children become independent and prepare them for adult life, but the school’s food technology room is no longer suitable as units are falling apart and the equipment is dated. The project to refurbish this area came about through Jay Baillie, a special needs teacher at The Collett School, who was keen to look at ways of enhancing their facilities to create a more exciting and stimulating learning environment for pupils. “I mentioned the situation to my future son-in-law, who works for Travis Perkins, and he told me about their ‘1000 Project’,” explained Jay. “I contacted the Head Office and within two days I received offers of help from Benchmarx and City Plumbing. I was really impressed by the management’s enthusiasm and the way in which they were keen to support us. “Gary came to visit us with his designer Daniel and they took time to talk to myself, our Head Teacher Stephen Hoult-Allen and some of the pupils, and were genuinely interested in our school and the project.” Gary said: “Having met the staff and parents at the school, I was inspired by their positive attitude and willingness to get involved and make a change. So far the response has been great, but we want to pick up momentum and need more kitchen part donations to make sure we complete the project before the new term starts in September.” Benchmarx are aiming to supply the units while City Plumbing aim to acquire the sinks and taps. The Collett School have recently bought three new freestanding appliances to replace ones that were on a hire agreement, but there is one appliance still outstanding. Gary is appealing to other stores in the Travis Perkins group to contribute to this worthy cause, either as an individual or a team, and has asked for any interested individuals or branches to contact him on 07970 330701 or gary.calmalt@benchmarxjoinery.co.uk.  Jay Baillie said: “This is a very big project and I am amazed at how quickly things are proceeding. We are hoping to install the kitchen over the summer and whilst parents and carers are prepared to don overalls and pick up a paint brush, we will need some expert help from plumbers, kitchen fitters, tillers and decorators. “We’re also seeking help from other local businesses and tradespeople - when our fantastic new kitchen is ready, we will need new equipment and some specialist utensils that will make cooking easier and more accessible to all our children.” All the staff and children are really excited about the project and The Collett School are looking forward to building strong links with The Travis Perkins Group in the future. 17th May 2012 Related Articles: Orpington entrepreneur launches new door and flooring centre at Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery Success for ‘Rookie Builders’ supported by Travis Perkins Travis Perkins in Much Wenlock gets busy for ‘Bees’   Latest news 2012-05-17T09:57:31+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/news/article/bristol_based_building_merchant_expands_into_somerset/#When:09:24:38Z As well as a brand new branch in Wincanton, serving south Somerset, the building merchant has acquired the assets of Slate and Stone Bath Ltd on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath. “With outlets in Bristol, Gloucestershire and Swindon it made sense for us to include Wincanton and Bath in our branch network,” explains Chris Parker, Sales Development and Marketing Manager. “Our brand new branch in Wincanton has a huge range of products in a well-stocked shop, warehouse and yard as well as offering all of the services for which Kellaway is renowned.” Kellaway has also acquired the assets of Bath Slate and Stone, specialist suppliers of natural stone and slate products, which will continue to offer the same great service while work begins on plans to convert it into a fully-fledged Kellaway branch. “Slate and Stone in Bath provides us with valuable knowledge in this important sector which we hope to use to further develop their product base. We are delighted to continue serving their customers as well as offering them our own products. In addition, our distribution system means their products are now available to all customers across our branch network,” reports Chris. The family-run business has been trading for 30 years and has doubled in size since 2005. The company now has 10 branches making them one of the fastest growing independent builders’ merchants in the region. “Although the economic climate continues to challenge, our customers appreciate our friendly service and knowledgeable staff. They know we’ll go that little bit further to make sure they leave our branches happy. “ 17th May 2012 Related Articles: Kellaway Building Supplies “recession-busting” trade day is a success Builders’ merchant hosts recession-busting trade day in bid to boost local economy Latest news 2012-05-17T09:24:38+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/news/article/dulux_trade_launches_voucher_promotion/#When:13:20:20Z The national promotion forms part of its recently launched ‘Trade and Trusted’ communications campaign and will include a number of discount vouchers (on a range of Dulux Trade products), together worth over £50 in total. The promotion is also supported by a national advertising campaign in The Sun, along with activity in a whole host of regional newspapers. The digital voucher book ( valid until 31st May 2012) will be available for customers to download via www.duluxtrade.co.uk/vouchers. The company will also be offering range of sales and marketing collateral, such as leaflets and posters, to help merchants promote the money-off incentives to their customers. Gail Cook, Group Brand Manager, Dulux Trade, comments: “This latest initiative is part of our pledge to support the painting and decorating industry. As such, the exclusive vouchers that we’ve launched through this promotion have been designed to help merchants reward their loyal customers with cost saving incentives.” 15th May 2012 Related Articles: Dulux Trade’s tinting technology Dulux Decorator Centres goes electric Point of sale 2012-05-15T13:20:20+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/feature/article/readers_digest-_adjusting_to_zero_carbon/#When:15:59:45Z It’s been a challenging couple of years for merchants and their customers, having to digest and respond to the vast amount of legislation and modifications that have flooded the market. With the Government forging ahead on its path to zero carbon, there look set to be even more change soon with a consultation on the next round of changes to the Building Regulations now taking place. Steve Smith reviews how merchants have adjusted to the effects of the revisions over the last 12 months — and how this will equip them in the future. Legislation 2012-05-11T15:59:45+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/feature/article/first_impressions/#When:15:09:32Z CSD Associates’ Ashley Evans outlines the need to present a clear message — and one that your customers can engage with. Merchandising 2012-05-11T15:09:32+00:00 http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk http://www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/feature/article/professional_heating_and_plumbing_installer_magazine_february_2012/#When:11:11:31Z The following products and services generated the most enquiries in PHPI’s February issue and were collated to appear in the April issue of PBM. In Demand 2012-05-11T11:11:31+00:00